The Mile Post or Lonely Planet Alaska
 

If you were planning Alaska trips what book would you use as reference - The Mile Post or Lonely Planet Alaska?

Why?

If you are planning to drive around a lot, the Milepost is invaluable. I planned my two week trip using a lot of internet info and also read all the tour books at my local Borders bookstore.

I don't think they are the same type of reference at all. I did *LOTS* of research while planning our trip to Alaska using Fodor's, Frommer's, Lonely Planet, etc. Then, when we had our itinerary planned, which included renting a car and driving from Anchorage to Seward back to Anchorage to Denali to Fairbanks to Circle Hot Springs...well you get the idea...the Milepost was absolutely INVALUABLE, because I could literally say, "milepost __ coming up, look left to see ___." It was the most complete, mile-by-mile map I've ever seen.

Our friends in Alaska, who visited us in North Carolina a few weeks before we went there, were amazed that we had found the Milepost in our local Barnes & Noble store.

There's a great visitors guide on the Anchorage Daily News website. Go to www.adn.com. Some great info and some great pictures.

I always have the Milepost. Try your library for Alaska tour books so you won't have to buy a lot. Be certain to request each area's visitor guide- very valuable information and available from every city- free!

As everyone mentioned, the Milepost is invaluable, but it is not a traditional guidebook. Milepost tells you what you will see along all the highways and byways, but makes virtually no recommendations regarding restaurants, accomodations, tours, or sights to visit. I think you still need a guidebook (I like Lonely Planet) for this information.

I agree! The Mileost is wonderful if you are driving. But I would do lots of research on the net and in the library. Alaska was one place the AAA book came up short.
Also, don't always depend on the guidebooks for recommendations. Fodors was more helpful.
I just returned from AK, if you have any questions. E-mail me!

Thanks for the helpful remarks as always!

Definitely the website and forums like this one are indespensable...

Can anybody give us some suggestions for B&Bs around Denali and Seward?(We will be there the first week of September)

If you would like more room, I was just in Seward and rented a 2 bedroom house with lots of extras.It was great and we ate breakfast on OUR schedule.
If you want a B and B,contact Alaska point of View reservations(free honest, and very helpful)

I used lonely planet. I had a quick look at milepost but it looked to me like an advertising book. they only wrote up motels etc that had advertisments placed in the book. lonely planet does not seem to do this therefore it will be more complete and unbiased.

I booked every single nights accommodation before I arrived in Alaska except Seward.
We spent the whole night looking .everthing was booked. we finally got a stable behind an inn.

lila5583,

Was the cost for the 2-BD house comparative with B&B's?

Its just me and my husband going on this trip... So I am not sure we need such big house.

Also, if you did any day-cruise while in Seward, was it very crowded? Did you use any coupons?

Thanks for pointing me to Alaska Point of View....

Anaya
Yes, the price was comparable to some
B and Bs,no breakfast, but washer, dryer, kitchen space instead. But if you are just 2 people, maybe its not important.
Debra can help you at Point of View.
We had a great 8.5 hour cruise with Kenai tours and it was great! We booked online and got a discount. There is a discount coupon inj the book for the 3pm cruise, but we took the morning one.Don't go with any other cruiseline. They are the Best! Not crowded at all and we had a beautiful day.But its cold out on the deck, bring coats and hats and gloves and cameras.

lila5583,
Thanks for breaking the tie...we just could not decide between Major Marine or Kenai.We are also planning to take the 8.5 hours cruise...

Hope our trip will be as much fun as yours was :)

We had a great 8.5 hour cruise with Kenai tours and it was great! We booked online and got a discount. There is a discount coupon inj the book for the 3pm cruise, but we took the morning one.Don't go with any other cruiseline. They are the Best! Not crowded at a


Have you also gone with Major Marine??? If not- they offer an excellent trip, I have taken several trips using both companies.

OK one last time:

If you were to pick one: Major Marine or Kenai Fjords for the day long cruise.

Go with who fits your time best, I have gone with both companies, more than once, but I have gone with Kenai Fjords the most, both well established well run trips. Most important- take seasickness precautions- I have seen sick passengers EVERY trip.

Two things-we just got back this morning. We drove all over the place and I only used the milepost once out of the whole trip. As far as Kenai fjords trip- we did the 3pm trip with the toursaver coupon. Saved a fortune and it was long enough. If I didn't have the coupon I would have gone with major marine because the food is supposed to be better, they have a park naturalist on board and each party gets reserved seating inside the boat. With Kenai fjords it was a mad dash for the tables. However, we had a fantastic trip anyway and we only paid 177 for the four of us using two toursaver coupons.